CHICO — A 63-year-old man, who was arrested Monday for alleged sexual contact with a 3-year-old, appeared in Butte County Superior Court today and was ordered to stay away from the child if he were to post bail.

The Butte County Sheriff's Office took Thomas Lee Lewis Sr. into custody after an investigation that began March 11 upon allegations of sexual abuse occurring at Grandma Linda's Day Care, 2986 Godman Ave., according to a BCSO press release.

Lewis is one of the people running the day care center, according to BCSO.

The BCSO is not releasing information about who or what prompted the investigation.

The BCSO reportedly conducted a forensic interview with a 3 1/2-year-old girl and interviewed Lewis, and subsequently arrested him at the BCSO substation in Chico.

It is unknown if there were any other victims, according to the BCSO.

The information obtained suggests it was a one-time occurrence, said Miranda Bowersox, BCSO media liaison. However, it's an ongoing investigation.

Lewis appeared in court Wednesday afternoon for initial arraignment, but did not enter a plea to one felony count of committing a lewd and lascivious act on a child under 14.

Attorney James Berglund, Lewis' attorney, asked Judge Steven Howell to release him with a promise to return to court.

Berglund acknowledged the seriousness of the charge and said Lewis would be willing to follow conditions to ensure public safety if released, including staying away from the child.

However, deputy district attorney Elizabeth Norton opposed releasing Lewis on his own recognizance. A stay-away order isn't enough for public safety, considering the alleged victim is 3-1/2 years old, she said.

Norton said Lewis initially denied the alleged action when confronted about the matter. However, Lewis later allegedly admitted to the act but said the victim had asked for it.

Howell denied releasing Lewis, citing public safety reasons. He also said a jail evaluation recommended detaining the defendant.

The judge set bail at $50,000.

At Norton's request, Howell ordered that Lewis refrain from contacting minors if he were released by the jail or if he posted bail.

Berglund requested a further arraignment hearing in two weeks. He said he would like to review police reports and other evidence before proceeding.

Judge Howell set the hearing for 8:30 a.m. April 3 before Judge James Reilley.

Lewis remains in custody at the Butte County Jail in Oroville. The maximum penalty for the charge is eight years in prison.

The day care center has since been closed and is under investigation by the community care licensing division of the Department of Social Services.

A notice was placed outside the center informing parents the business would be closed as of 6 p.m. Wednesday until further notice. Parents and guardians will be receiving a copy of the notice in person or mail.

The accusation filed against the business, which has information as to why the license was suspended, is available at the Chico Child Care Regional Office, 520 Cohasset Road.

Anyone with information is asked to contact sheriff's detective Chris D'Amato at 538-7671.